hectored 1 of 2

adjective

as in cowed

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hectored

2 of 2

verb

past tense of hector
as in intimidated
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats the judge warned the attorney that hectoring the witness with aggressive questioning would not be allowed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hectored
Verb
At school, he was hectored because of his shabby wardrobe. — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 23 June 2026 For over a century, citizens have been surveilled while the media is harassed and hectored into compromise, so that the official rhetoric of Slavic suprematism can go unchallenged. — Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 Jason Sudeikis, Robert Smigel, and George Wendt hectored Kelce to (1) make Taylor pony up for a new stadium and (2) propose already. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hectored
  1. intimidated
  2. bullied
  3. browbeaten
  4. frightened
  5. oppressed
  6. crushed
  7. downtrodden
Adjective
  • The biggest hurdle, though, is simply believing the Elle Woods who learns to prove her doubters wrong at 16 would be so intimidated when faced with doing it again at 22.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 June 2026
  • In traditional settings, people often feel rushed, intimidated, and unseen.
    — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026
Definition of intimidated
Verb
  • As Southampton’s Cyle Larin showed in April’s 5-1 thrashing, the defence is susceptible to being bullied physically at times.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Growing up in Martinsville, Virginia, Jesse experienced deep poverty and, Cindy said, was bullied because of it.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of bullied
Adjective
  • Audiences who endured the Miramax era have been browbeaten to believe that the best picture Oscar should go to a period piece that chokes out a sob from audiences.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Not to the extent that the user is necessarily being browbeaten.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Definition of browbeaten
Verb
  • Fig, a dog from Tulare County, disappeared after becoming frightened by fireworks and gunfire during Fourth of July celebrations, according to authorities.
    — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 22 July 2026
  • Fig, an Australian shepherd, ran away from home after getting frightened by July Fourth fireworks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • At the end, there’s a message in the credits which says that this film is dedicated to those who are oppressed and that your time will come.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 July 2026
  • The Irish were the original oppressed people from the English Empire, and the original colony.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 15 May 2026
Definition of oppressed
Adjective
  • Pour into a tall glass, fill with more crushed ice, and top with the sherry.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The architects used building materials like bricks made of crushed sand and ash residue that have been found to be effective insulators, deflecting heat.
    — Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of crushed
Adjective
  • Just as iconic is the song’s inclusion in the classic 2003 comedy Old School, starring Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson, and Vince Vaughn as three downtrodden thirtysomethings who start their own fraternity.
    — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
  • The series tracks the pair’s investment in Wrexham AFC, a once-downtrodden team in Wales that has since risen to the verge of a promotion to the Premier League, the highest tier of British pro soccer.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Definition of downtrodden

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hectored
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Cite this Entry

“Hectored.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hectored. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of hectored for Spanish Speakers

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